_vis_opt_test_cookie on www.sophos.com
About this cookie:
This cookie name is associated with the product Visual Website Optimiser, by USA based Wingify. The tool helps site owners measure the performance of different versions of web pages. This cookie tests if the browser is set to allow cookies.
There is no specific information about how this cookie is used on this site. If you own this website, or have any information about how this cookie is used on this site, please get in touch.
About this cookie’s host: This domain is owned by Sophos which provides security software and services, including malware protection, ransomware blocking, and management of security policies for various devices.
Related general information about _vis_opt_test_cookie:
Performance Cookies
These cookies collect information about how visitors use a website, for instance which pages visitors go to most often, and if they get error messages from web pages. These cookies don’t collect information that identifies a visitor. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. It is only used to improve how a website works.
More about cookie classifications.First Party Cookies
One of the key attributes of a cookie is its 'Host' - this is the domain name of the site that ultimately sets the cookie. Only the host domain can retrieve and read the contents of the cookie once it has been set.
If the host name is the same as the domain in the browser address bar when it is set or retrieved, then it is a First Party Cookie.
First party cookies are only set or retrieved by the website while you are visiting it, so they cannot normally be used to track activity or pass data from one site to another.
However the owner of that website can still collect data through their cookies and use that to change how the website appears to the user, or the information it displays.
Of course they can also collect the data and use it outside their website, and even sell it on to other organisations. However, if they do this it must be explained in the site's privacy policy.
Most desktop browsers allow you to see a list of the cookies that have been set – and they will normally be listed by the host domain value.
Session Cookie
Session Cookies are only stored temporarily in the browser's memory, and are destroyed when it is closed down, although they will survive navigating away from the website they came from.
If you have to login to a website every time you open your browser and visit it - then it is using a session cookie to store your login credentials.
Many websites use session cookies for essential site functions, and to make sure pages are sent to the browser as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- This is a first party session cookie
- ICC category: Performance
- Website: www.sophos.com See all cookies on this website
- Host: .sophos.com
- Life Span (days): 0
- Path: /
- HTTPOnly cookie? No
- Secure cookie? No